But these exhortations had as little effect as those of Cannon.
In a short time the whole Gaelic army was in full retreat towards Blair.
Then the drums struck up: the victorious Puritans threw their caps into the air, raised, with one voice, a psalm of triumph and thanksgiving, and waved their colours, colours which were on that day unfurled for the first time in the face of an enemy, but which have since been proudly borne in every quarter of the world, and which are now embellished with the Sphinx and the Dragon, emblems of brave actions achieved in Egypt and in China, [379] The Cameronians had good reason to be joyful and thankful; for they had finished the rear.

In the rebel camp all was discord and dejection.

The Highlanders blamed Cannon: Cannon blamed the Highlanders; and the host which had been the terror of Scotland melted fast away.

The confederate chiefs signed an association by which they declared themselves faithful subjects of King James, and bound themselves to meet again at a future time.

Having gone through this form,--for it was no more,--they departed, each to his home.